The project aimed to empower SME employees to develop essential digital skills by creating concrete, accessible learning opportunities at their workplaces. We sought to help SMEs identify digital skills gaps through a Mapping Tool, inspire and guide training through a Good Practices Handbook, and support continuous upskilling with an online Resource Center. The goal was to strengthen SMEs’ digital readiness, improve employees’ employability, and foster a learning culture where digital competence development is embedded in daily work life. Additionally, the project aimed to motivate SME management to recognize the business value of investing in employees’ digital skills, aligning with EU goals for digital transformation by 2030.
We applied for the Empower Employees to Learn Digital Skills at Workplace project to address the growing gap in digital competences among SME employees. Many workers lacked basic digital skills, limiting productivity, innovation, and future employability. SMEs often failed to recognize how digital upskilling could benefit their business, and traditional adult education offers were not suited to workplace needs. The project targeted these challenges by developing a digital skills Mapping Tool, a Good Practices Handbook, and a Resource Center to support continuous learning. It also addressed EU priorities for 2030 to ensure 80% of adults have basic digital skills. By creating practical, accessible tools tailored to real workplace environments, the project aimed to empower employees, support SMEs’ digital transformation, and foster a stronger connection between adult education providers and businesses.